Volunteering is a powerful way for high school students to gain invaluable experience, build a strong resume, and enhance college applications. Beyond personal growth, it’s about contributing meaningfully to the community. At Mayo Clinic, student volunteers bring fresh perspectives and energy, enriching the environment for both staff and those we serve. If you’re a high school student considering a healthcare career, the Mayo Clinic volunteer program offers a unique window into the world of medicine and patient care, embodying the spirit of the Mayo Cares Program.
Why Participate in the Mayo Clinic High School Volunteer Program?
The Mayo Clinic High School Volunteer Program, rooted in the Mayo Cares Program philosophy, provides numerous benefits for young aspiring healthcare professionals. This isn’t just about filling hours; it’s about making a real difference and gaining insights that textbooks simply can’t provide.
Contribute to Meaningful Patient Care
As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the Mayo Clinic’s mission of patient-centered care. You’ll be directly involved in tasks that contribute to a smoother, more comfortable experience for patients and their families. This hands-on experience demonstrates the core values of the Mayo Cares Program in action, allowing you to witness firsthand the impact of compassion and dedication in a healthcare setting.
Explore Diverse Healthcare Careers
Unsure which path within healthcare is right for you? Volunteering at Mayo Clinic offers unparalleled exposure to a wide spectrum of medical professions. You’ll interact with doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and various allied health professionals, gaining a clearer understanding of different roles and specializations. This exploration is a key benefit of the Mayo Cares Program, helping you make informed decisions about your future career path.
Enhance Skills and Attend Educational Sessions
The program goes beyond practical service. Volunteers participate in educational presentations designed to broaden their knowledge of healthcare topics. This structured learning component, integrated into the Mayo Cares Program, ensures that you’re not only contributing but also actively learning and developing valuable skills relevant to the medical field.
Build Lasting Friendships and Networks
Volunteering is also a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for healthcare and service. You’ll form connections with fellow student volunteers and Mayo Clinic staff, building a supportive network that can extend beyond the program duration. These relationships are an invaluable, often overlooked, benefit of participating in initiatives like the Mayo Cares Program.
Program Structure and Eligibility for the Mayo Cares Program
The Mayo Clinic High School Student Summer Volunteer Program is an eight-week commitment, running from Monday, June 2, 2025, to Friday, July 25, 2025. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria, ensuring the program remains beneficial and manageable for all participants, reflecting the careful planning inherent in the Mayo Cares Program:
- Age Requirement: Be between 15 and 18 years old as of May 1, 2025.
- Enrollment Status: Not yet be enrolled in college.
- Time Commitment: Commit to assigned four-hour shifts each week during regular business hours (Monday through Friday) for the entire eight-week period, plus one 4-hour Simulation Learning Skills Lab, totaling 36 hours of service. No more than 12 hours per week are permitted.
- Program Dates: Commit to the full eight weeks of service, from June 2 to July 25, 2025.
- Mandatory Virtual Interview: Be available to attend a mandatory virtual interview (date to be determined).
- Mandatory In-Person Orientation: Be available to attend a mandatory in-person orientation (date to be determined).
Application Process for the Mayo Cares Program Volunteer Opportunity
Becoming a Mayo Clinic volunteer involves a structured application process designed to ensure the best fit for both the student and the program, maintaining the high standards associated with the Mayo Cares Program. Here are the steps:
- Attend a Mandatory Virtual Information Session: Prospective student volunteers and a parent or guardian must attend one of the mandatory virtual information sessions. Reservations are required through the SignUpGenius page. Sessions are offered:
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Space is limited to 30 participants per session, so early registration is recommended.
- Complete the Volunteer Application Form: The application form becomes available only after attending an information session. Key points to note:
- You must have an active email account that you check regularly for program updates and communication.
- Completed applications for the 2025 High School Student Summer Volunteer Program must be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, March 7, 2025. Submission details will be provided during the information session.
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Ensure all sections are filled accurately and completely.
- Application submission does not guarantee placement in the program, as space is limited and the process is competitive.
- Participate in a Virtual Interview: If your application is favorably reviewed, you will receive an email invitation to a virtual interview. This interview is an opportunity to learn more about the program in detail and for program coordinators to assess your suitability for the volunteer role.
- Complete a Health Screening: Mayo Clinic prioritizes the health and safety of patients and volunteers. All accepted volunteers must undergo a health screening, which includes:
- Providing current vaccination records, including COVID-19 (if available), influenza (if available), Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and Chickenpox (Varicella).
- Completing a blood test for tuberculosis screening, which will be provided by Mayo Clinic at no cost to the volunteer.
- Attend Volunteer Onboarding: Upon successful completion of the health screening, you will be required to attend an in-person orientation. Following orientation, attendance at a mandatory service area training session at either the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale campus or the Phoenix campus in Arizona is required. All volunteers must commit to adhering to Mayo Clinic’s standards of behavior and professional conduct.
Verification of Volunteer Hours
Upon successful completion of the Mayo Clinic High School Student Summer Volunteer Program, you will receive official documentation verifying your total volunteer hours, the program dates, and your assigned service area. This verification is valuable for college applications and future endeavors, solidifying your participation in the Mayo Cares Program.
For further information about the Mayo Clinic High School Student Summer Volunteer Program and the Mayo Cares Program, please contact Mayo Clinic Volunteer Services directly at [email protected]. We encourage you to take this incredible opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow within the supportive environment of Mayo Clinic.
